Testing
The following system was used in testing:
Case: NZXT Phantom
Motherboard: XFX 680i LT SLI
CPU: Q6600 @ 2.4 GHz
Memory: 2x2GB OCZ SLI Ready DDR2 800 MHz
Power Supply: XFX XXX 650W Modular
Video Card: XFX GTS 250
CPU cooling:
- Thermaltake Frio
- Corsair A50
- Corsair A70
- GlacialTech Alaska
- Deep Cool Gamer Storm
- Arctic Cooling Freezer 13
Tests were conducted under idle and load states. The computer was left to sit after 30 minutes after being turned on to check the idle temperature. The load temperature was found by running the latest version of Prime95 which supports multi-core CPUs by default. Temperatures were obtained through SpeedFan.
| CPU Cooler | Idle (°C) | Load (°C) |
| Corsair A70 | 30C | 42C |
| Thermaltake Frio – 2 Fans – High | 33C | 44C |
| GlacialTech Alaska | 32C | 45C |
| Deep Cool Gamer Storm – High | 32C | 45C |
| Corsair A50 | 33C | 46C |
| Arctic Cooling Freezer 13 | 33C | 48C |
| Thermaltake Frio – 2 Fans – Low | 34C | 47C |
| Deep Cool Gamer Storm – Low | 34C | 48C |
While it’s hard to say whether these results were accurate, since not all of the thermal compound was on the base, the results were still below average. The idle temperature reached 33C, while the load temperature maxed out at 48C; tying the highest load temperatures we’ve reviewed along with the Deep Cool Gamer Storm – Low.